In 1995, the Mule released their first album, self-titled. They began opening for Allmans shows and playing with other acts such as Blues Traveler. The entire time, Warren and Woody were sill playing with the Allmans, only useing Mule as a creative outlet. In 1996, they released a live album of their set opening for Blues Traveler on New Year's Eve.

In the spring of 1997, after the Allman's perennial run at the Beacon Theatre, Warren and Woody left the Allman Brothers Band so they could pursue Gov't Mule full time. '97 would find them touring more as Mule, writing more songs, and spending time in the studio for their next studio release.

1998 brought their second album, Dose, a declaration of independence from the Allmans. The return to the studio brought about a wealth of new songs, along with Woody playing mandolin in addition to his bass and a host of new influences that could be heard in their sound.